They look hip and sales are hot.Scooters are on the rise in New York and other

They look hip and sales are hot.Scooters are on the rise in New York and other American cities - a cool and fuel efficient way to deal with the soaring gas prices.Paolo Timoni is the President and CEO of Paggio Group Americas, which makes Vespas

SOUNDBITE: Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Paggio Group Americas, saying (English):"In May sales were up a hundred and five percent, in June sales were up a hundred and forty-seven percent, so, clearly people are embracing motorscooters in the United States."

After lagging behind Europe for decades, America seems to be catching scooter fever. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council sales are up more than 65 percent in just the first half of this year. Popular scooters from makers like Vespa, Yamaha and Honda range from $1800 to about $7500.

Scooters get between 70 and 90 miles per gallon.Scooter owner Rene Eskengren.

SOUNDBITE: Rene Eskengren, Scooter owner, saying (English):"You put ten dollars in and you ride for a week. I think if you ride a big American cars, you fill up a hundred dollars and ride for a couple of days so of course the price of the gas is one factor."

Heather Johnson is a fan.

SOUNDBITE: Heather Johnson, Scooter owner,saying (English)"I would say there are probably at least twice as many if not- there are more scooters on the road in the city than there were last summer"

And with no signs of relief at the pump anytime soon.. the American scooter scene is expecting to keep revving up.

Bobbi Rebell, Reuters, New York.